2026 Elections
The latest news, analysis and updates on the 2026 primaries and midterm elections.
Black Democrats warn the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling will impact Black representation across southern state legislatures.
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Tennessee Democrat Steve Cohen announces retirement
Cohen’s Memphis-based district was recently dismantled in a Republican gerrymandering effort.
Keisha Lance Bottoms’ lead is making some Georgia Democrats uneasy
The former Atlanta mayor has dominated primary polls for months, but Democrats are concerned her political baggage will tank their chances this fall.
The number of competitive House districts is getting smaller and smaller
As states have redrawn their maps, the number of districts likely to flip has further dwindled.
Landry wants to be kingmaker in Louisiana. He’s annoying other Republicans.
GOP lawmakers and strategists say he’s overstepping with his efforts to boost Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign.
How the largest LGBTQ+ rights group is approaching the midterms — and anti-trans attacks
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson on its $15 million plan to help Democrats win the House, and push back on anti-trans political attacks.
Poll: Democrats would give up Black voting power to beat the GOP
In a new POLITICO Poll, a plurality of Democrats say the party should counter Republican gerrymandering, even if it means reducing the number of majority-minority districts.
One of the safest Florida seats for Democrats faces a candidate fiasco
Redistricting, a looming federal criminal trial and a primary with racial undertones are just a few of the dynamics shaping the race to represent the Broward County district.
EMILY’s List-backed Denise Powell wins Dem primary for Rep. Don Bacon’s seat
Her win in a close race for a top Democratic midterms target was called a full day after polls closed.
Maryland gerrymandering push reignites after major losses nationwide
An earlier push to redraw the state was snuffed out in the state Senate, but prominent Marylanders argued that the recent Supreme Court decision targeting the Voting Rights Act has changed the calculus.
‘They don’t care’: Our poll shows Congress’ crypto push isn’t catching on with voters
Voters are broadly skeptical of the crypto industry and don’t view it as an important issue for political candidates, the survey showed.
Florida defends new congressional map, says it lacks ‘signs’ of partisan gerrymandering
Voting rights and civil rights groups have filed multiple lawsuits challenging a new map pushed into law by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis.
RFK Jr.’s next vaccine moves could upend White House election-year messaging
Trump says vaccines are off the agenda. Kennedy’s next moves may say otherwise.
Capitol agenda: House eyes summer for another party-line bill
House Republicans discussed passing a third reconciliation bill before August, but plenty of obstacles stand in their path.
The former Transportation Secretary (and Iowa caucus winner) is backing Josh Turek over Zach Wahls for Senate.
Mayorkas declines to endorse Becerra in California governor’s race
The former Homeland Security secretary told POLITICO “there are many qualified individuals” in the race.
As Republicans carve up Black districts, Democrats pivot to a new midterm message
Democrats will be unable to respond to the GOP’s redistricting gains before the November elections, and are now turning the mapmaking fight into a political messaging battle.
Supreme Court allows Alabama GOP to erase Black House district
The high court voted 6-3 to allow state to proceed with plan likely to squeeze Democrats to single seat
Ryan backs Bores to replace Rep. Nadler, citing the battle over AI’s future
Bores’ pro-regulation stance on the technology puts him on “the right side” of the issue, Ryan says.
Neal plans broad tax agenda if House control changes
The Massachusetts Democrat is unlikely to revisit the fight over Trump’s tax returns, but he has a long list of more pressing issues if he reclaims the Ways and Means gavel.
Raffensperger tests the GOP’s future in Georgia
He’s running a campaign that’s served him and other old school Georgia Republicans well. But has the party changed too much for that old system to still work?
Clyburn remains confident in reelection bid, despite GOP redistricting efforts
The elder representative had a warning for Republicans on Sunday: “Be very careful what you pray for.”
What Americans mean when they say they’re worried about a stolen election
New results from The POLITICO Poll show Democrats are worried about voter suppression while Republicans are worried about voter fraud.
Democrats just lost the redistricting war
A pair of court rulings have shattered the party’s hopes of countering GOP redistricting gains before November’s elections.
FCC’s warnings on political interviews ‘chill’ First Amendment, ABC says
The broadcast network’s rebuke comes amid a broader fight with Chair Brendan Carr over the company’s TV station licenses.
Republicans get massive win in fight for House with Virginia court ruling
The state Supreme Court decision overturning Democrats’ map effectively guarantees the GOP will come out ahead in the gerrymandering wars.
‘Upside surprise’: Job growth surges for Trump’s economy
Last month’s jobs report signals a reversal of labor market trends.
Graham Platner targets fuel tax, Big Oil in energy plan
The Maine populist Democrat wants to stop electricity price increases, but his plan is silent on a data center moratorium.
NRCC unveils internal polls in key battleground House races
The GOP’s House campaign arm shared five new battleground polls with POLITICO, its first publicly released surveys this cycle.
Tennessee Republicans pass new gerrymander following Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling
The map aims to give the GOP a clean sweep of the state’s nine congressional districts by fracturing Black-majority Memphis between three districts.
‘Buckshot’ or moonshot? Dem candidates to replace Newsom offer grand plans for more housing
California’s leading Democratic candidates for governor say they know how to fix the state’s housing problems. Like Gov. Gavin Newsom, they run the risk of overpromising.